Nursing Assistant :: Nursing Assistant School
Nursing assistants, sometimes called nurse aides, orderlies, and geriatric aides, assist in the care of patients. They work under the direction and supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and other medical staff. Nursing assistants have a great deal of contact with patients and provide personal care such as bathing, feeding, and dressing. They also perform support functions such as transporting patients, taking vital signs, making beds, helping patients become ambulatory, and answering patient calls. They might also be called upon to set up equipment such as X-ray machines and overhead irrigation bottles. Nursing assistants are often responsible for observing and reporting how patients respond to the care that is being given. Nursing assistants employed in nursing homes are called geriatric aides. These nurses have far more contact with residents than any of the other staff, and are therefore expected to develop ongoing relationships with the patients and treat them in a positive, caring way. To be a successful nursing assistant, an individual must be a team player who is able to take orders well. They must also be emotionally stable and have a great deal of patience.
